Pokémon : The Perfect Path

Kanto Region - Somewhere in Route 2

The bushes rustled as three familiar figures stepped into the clearing, bathed in the midday sun. They struck their signature pose, voices ringing out in perfect harmony.

"Prepare for trouble!" Jessie declared, flipping her vibrant red hair with a dramatic flourish.

"And make it double!" James followed, sweeping his arms wide.

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!"

Meanwhile, a short distance away, Meowth was hard at work, furiously digging into the dirt with a small shovel. Sweat beaded on his fur as he gritted his teeth, glancing back at his teammates.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

Meowth rolled his eyes, tail twitching in annoyance. They were always busy with their dramatic speeches while he was left doing all the heavy lifting.

"Jessie!"

"James!"

Meowth groaned as he wiped his brow. "I don't get why you two are always talkin', and I'm the one stuck doin' all the work!" He jabbed the shovel into the dirt, muttering under his breath.

Jessie, however, ignored him, stepping forward with an air of urgency. "We haven't got much time. If those twerps are headed for Pewter City, they'll have to pass this way!"

James smirked, nodding eagerly. "And when they do, they'll fall right into—our trap!" He clapped his hands together, already imagining their success.

Jessie placed a hand on her hip, surveying Meowth's progress. "Hmph. This isn't going fast enough. We need this hole ready now!"

James sighed dramatically. "Well, I suppose we could lend a hand…"

Meowth's ears perked up, and he shot them an exasperated look. "Oh, now ya wanna help?! About time!"

Without further delay, the trio got to work. Jessie grabbed a nearby spade, expertly flicking dirt aside with surprising speed. James, despite his usual airheadedness, worked diligently, albeit with frequent complaints about getting his gloves dirty. Meowth, still grumbling, kept up his steady pace, his claws scraping at the earth.

Minutes passed, and before long, the hole was deep enough for their trap to be a success.

Jessie wiped her hands together, grinning. "Perfect! Now all we have to do is wait for those twerps to come strolling along!"

James dusted off his sleeves. "Yes, but before that… where exactly did we dig the hole again?"

The three of them glanced at the ground. The disturbed dirt blended in just a little too well.

Meowth frowned. "Wait a sec… it was here, wasn't it?"

Jessie pointed to a spot slightly ahead. "No, no, I distinctly remember it being over here."

James rubbed his chin. "Or maybe it was… here?"

The three continued searching, glancing at different spots, poking the ground with their feet.

"Or maybe—"

WHOOSH!

Before they could finish their thought, the earth suddenly gave way beneath them.

"WHAAAAAAA—!"

With a loud thud, all three collapsed into their own trap, a small cloud of dust billowing up from the hole.

For a few moments, all was silent except for their groans of pain.

Jessie pushed herself up slightly, her face twitching with frustration. "I knew we should've marked it."

James lay sprawled beside her, sighing. "Well… at least we know it works?"

Meowth, squashed at the bottom of the pile, let out a muffled grumble. "Oh, shut up."

_________________________________

Kanto Region - Elsewhere in Route 2

After what felt like an eternity wandering through the dense greenery of Viridian Forest, Ash, Misty, and Velkris finally emerged onto a rocky outcrop, the entrance to Pewter City sprawled out before them. The mountainous terrain gave way to a town nestled in the valley below, its grey stone buildings blending seamlessly with the surrounding cliffs. The air was drier here, carrying the scent of earth and rock, a stark contrast to the damp, leafy freshness of the forest they had just left behind.

Ash plopped down onto a large rock near the edge of the path, stretching his arms above his head. His Pikachu followed suit, hopping onto the ground beside him before flopping down with a tired sigh.

Misty, standing just behind him, raised her arms in excitement. "Yay! We finally made it! Pewter City, here we come!"

Ash exhaled dramatically, wiping imaginary sweat from his brow. "Whew! For a while there, I thought we were gonna be lost in that forest for the rest of our lives!"

Velkris smirked, crossing his arms as he leaned slightly against a nearby boulder. "Then, I guess you and I would have ended up becoming Bug Pokémon Trainers." He glanced at Misty with a teasing glint in his eye. "At least Misty would have overcome her fear of bugs."

At the mention of Bug-types, Misty visibly shuddered, her expression twisting into one of disgust. "Ugh! No way! I'd rather be lost forever than spend another minute surrounded by those creepy-crawlies!"

Pikachu, still sprawled out beside Ash, let out a tired "Pika…" as if agreeing with Velkris' sentiment.

Before they could continue their banter, a new voice suddenly cut through the moment, deep and gruff.

"Pewter City is grey."

The trio snapped their heads toward the source of the voice. Standing a few feet away was a man with a rugged and unkempt appearance. A thick brown beard covered most of his face, giving him a somewhat older and scruffy look. His small eyes were partially hidden under the shadow of his messy brown hair, and his entire presence gave off the aura of a wandering vagrant or a drifter. He wore a simple brown poncho draped over a dark outfit, his posture relaxed yet unreadable.

"The color of stone," he continued, his tone carrying a certain weight. "This town has always been famous for its stones."

Ash blinked in surprise, taking a moment to process the sudden interruption. His expression twisted in confusion as he leaned slightly toward Misty and Velkris. "What the—who's this old guy?" he asked, lowering his voice but making no effort to hide his curiosity.

Misty frowned, tilting her head slightly. "I've never seen him before."

Velkris, however, observed the man more closely, keeping his expression neutral. "He must be a civilian from Pewter City," he said aloud, but inwardly, his thoughts ran deeper.

'So this is Flint.'

Velkris recalled bits of information about the man standing before them. Flint—Brock's father. A man who had once left his family behind, chasing dreams of becoming a famous Pokémon Trainer. A dream that ultimately ended in failure. Too ashamed to return home, he had instead chosen to live on the outskirts of Pewter City, avoiding his responsibilities while quietly watching from afar.

The realization settled in Velkris' mind as he studied the man's weary, almost distant eyes. He wasn't just any vagrant—he was a man carrying the weight of regret.

As Velkris' thoughts came to an end, the man continued speaking, his gruff voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"The name's Flint," he introduced himself, crossing his arms. His gaze shifted to Ash, a slight smirk on his face. "And you're sitting on some of my merchandise, young man."

"Huh?" Ash blinked before glancing down, realizing he had been sitting on a large rock with a price tag. He quickly stood up, brushing himself off. "Oh! Sorry about that!"

Flint nodded, tapping the boulder with his hand. "This here is part of my collection. I sell Pewter City's finest stones as souvenirs."

Ash gave him a skeptical look. "Wait… you sell rocks?"

Flint nodded firmly. "That's right. Pewter City is famous for its stones. Every visitor should take one home."

Ash scratched his cheek, unsure how to respond. "Uh… no thanks. I'm traveling to become a Pokémon Trainer, not a rock collector."

Pikachu, still resting at Ash's feet, let out a tired sigh.

Flint's sharp eyes caught this, and he frowned slightly. "For a Trainer, your Pokémon sure looks worn out," he said, his tone carrying a hint of reproach. "You should take better care of it."

Ash blinked, looking down at Pikachu, then back at Flint. "Well, I mean, we've been walking a lot, and—"

Flint didn't wait for an excuse. "Come on. I'll take you to the Pokémon Center."

Ash turned to Misty and Velkris with a triumphant grin. "See? Looks can be deceiving! He's actually a nice guy."

Velkris observed the interaction and thought to himself, Wait… is he praising Flint or insulting him? Typical Ash.

Misty, however, wasn't convinced. She crossed her arms. "Are you sure?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Before Ash could respond, Flint abruptly stopped and turned back with a completely straight face. "By the way, it'll be a two-dollar charge for sitting on my rock."

Ash and Misty instantly tripped, landing face-first on the ground. "What?!"

Velkris, standing a few steps away, made no move to join in their reaction, instead keeping his distance as if this nonsense had nothing to do with him.

Nearby, Ralts raised both her hands to her mouth, giggling behind them. "Ralts, Ralts~!"

Then, in a flash of light, Gible suddenly popped out of his Poké Ball. The little Dragon-type looked at Ash and Misty, tilting his head before letting out an excited cry. As if inspired, Gible leaped up into the air and flopped onto his back with an exaggerated thud, mimicking their fall as if it were the funniest thing in the world.

Velkris sighed. Great… now he's going to start doing that every time something ridiculous happens.

________________________________

As Misty, Velkris, and Ash entered the Pewter City Pokémon Center, the familiar sight of the red-and-white interior greeted them. Trainers rested on benches, some tending to their Pokémon, while others watched the large screen displaying news updates on Pokémon battles across Kanto.

Ash, heeding Flint's advice, wasted no time and walked straight up to the counter. Nurse Joy, with her usual warm smile, greeted him.

"Hello! Welcome to the Pewter City Pokémon Center. How can I help you?"

Ash placed Pikachu on the counter and handed over his Poké Balls containing Metapod and Pidgeotto. "Please revitalize my Pokémon, Nurse Joy!"

Nurse Joy gave a cheerful nod. "Right away, Ash!" She gently took Pikachu and placed the Poké Balls on the healing machine.

Misty and Velkris followed Ash's lead, handing over their own Poké Balls. Ralts, who had been standing by Velkris' side, gave a small chirp before being recalled.

But then, as Ash watched Nurse Joy work, a confused expression formed on his face. He tilted his head and asked, "Nurse Joy?"

The woman turned back to him with a smile. "Yes? That's me."

Ash frowned slightly. "But… this isn't Viridian City. This is Pewter City."

Nurse Joy blinked before letting out a lighthearted chuckle. "Oh! You must have met my little sister in Viridian City. I'm the older Joy."

Ash's eyes widened. "Wait, there's more of you?"

Misty sighed. "Ash, every Pokémon Center we visit is probably going to have a Nurse Joy."

Before Ash could process this revelation, Joy added, "And by the way, I've heard some nice things about you and Velkris."

Velkris, who had been standing quietly, narrowed his eyes slightly in thought. How does she know about us?

He voiced his curiosity. "How do you know about us?"

Nurse Joy smiled. "The Nurse Joy in Viridian City told me—and a few of the other Nurse Joys as well—about how you and Ash saved the Pokémon Center from Team Rocket. You both fought valiantly to stop them."

Velkris, already suspecting this, simply nodded in understanding.

Ash, on the other hand, lit up with excitement. "That's awesome! Soon, I'll be the Champion, and then all of Kanto will know about my heroic deeds!" He clenched his fist dramatically.

Nurse Joy chuckled. "Speaking of the Champion…" She leaned slightly forward, resting her hands on the counter. "Are you two ready to battle Brock?"

Ash grinned. "Of course!"

Velkris nodded calmly.

Before anything else could be said, a familiar laugh rang through the air. The trio turned toward the source of the sound—Flint, who had casually walked up to them with his arms crossed, still carrying that ever-present smirk.

"Do you two really think you can challenge Pewter City's Gym Leader, Brock, without further preparations?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Many trainers have come here with the same mindset… and they all failed."

Ash didn't hesitate. "I'll win, no matter what! And even if I don't, I'd never give up—I'll keep trying until I do!" His voice was filled with determination.

Velkris, standing beside him, spoke with equal confidence but with a calmer tone. "I believe in my Pokémon and the bond we share. I also have plenty of strategies to win against Brock."

Flint studied them both, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a slow smile crept across his face.

"Well," he said, "not giving up is a great quality for a trainer to have." He looked at Ash. "And always being ready to face any sort of challenge and planning ahead to overcome difficulties…" His gaze shifted to Velkris. "That's an even greater quality."

With that, he let out a chuckle, turning to walk away. "Well, we'll see how both of you fare," he added, disappearing into the crowd.

As Flint's figure disappeared into the crowd, Velkris remained still, his eyes narrowing slightly. I wonder… will Brock be the same as in the anime? Or is he truly a skilled Rock-type specialist beyond what I know? The thought lingered for a moment before he shook his head. Doesn't matter. I'll find out soon enough.

Turning toward Ash and Misty, he smiled. "Since this is our last destination together for now, how about I treat you both to lunch?"

Ash's face immediately lit up. "Really?! You mean it?"

Misty crossed her arms with a knowing smirk. "You're just excited about the food, aren't you?"

Ash ignored the remark and eagerly nodded at Velkris. "Yeah, let's eat!"

Misty sighed but gave in. "Fine, I won't say no to free food."

The trio made their way to a nearby restaurant, settling at a small table near the window. The aroma of fresh rice, grilled fish, and warm soup filled the air as their meals arrived.

As they ate, Velkris, still thinking about the upcoming battle, turned to Ash. "So, what's your plan for battling Brock?"

Ash paused mid-bite, blinking. "Uh… I have no idea. I'm still thinking about it."

Misty, sipping her soup, let out a sigh. "Then maybe you should wait and try again later—at least once you have a better team. A Grass- or Water-type Pokémon would be a huge help against Rock-types."

Ash immediately frowned, setting his chopsticks down. "I get what you're saying, but I can't just give up without trying! If I wait too long, I'll be left behind by Gary and Velkris."

Velkris watched Ash closely, silently analyzing his words. He's still a bit immature in this sense. He's too caught up in thinking about who gets ahead first, rather than who grows the most as a trainer.

Still, he understood Ash's drive, and in the end, that determination was part of what made him who he was.

Once they finished their meal, the trio returned to the Pokémon Center to reclaim their Pokémon. After thanking Nurse Joy, they wasted no time heading toward the Pewter Gym.

As they stood before the imposing gym doors, Velkris glanced at Ash. "Who's challenging Brock first? You or me?"

Ash, ever impulsive, raised a fist. "I'll go first!"

Velkris contemplated for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Go ahead."

With that settled, they stepped inside.

The gym was dark. Pitch black.

Ash hesitated before calling out, "Hello? Is anyone here?"

Suddenly, the lights flared on, illuminating the vast battlefield filled with jagged rocks and boulders. At the far end, seated on an elevated rock, was a young man with spiky brown hair and tanned skin.

"Who's there?" the figure called out.

Ash squinted as his eyes adjusted. "Whoa! That was fast!"

Velkris, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow. Did Brock turn the lights on with a remote? Does he always welcome challengers in complete darkness just for dramatic effect?

Ash quickly composed himself. Stepping forward, he declared, "I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! I'm here to challenge you for the Boulder Badge!"

Brock studied him before asking, "Is this your first Gym battle?"

Ash nodded firmly.

Brock leaned forward slightly. "Gym battles are for League authorization, so they follow special rules."

Ash blinked in confusion at Brock's words. "Uh… special rules? What do you mean by special rules?"

Brock crossed his arms. "Each of us will use two Pokémon. Understood?"

Ash nodded, then hesitated before asking, "That's it?"

Brock smirked slightly. "How long have you been with your Pikachu?"

Ash thought for a moment. "About two or three weeks."

Brock nodded. "Yes, that means your Pikachu is still in its cutest stage."

Standing in the back, Velkris raised an eyebrow. Brock must have always been a closeted breeder and pervert… He's putting on such a serious outlook, but deep down, this guy is a softie for cute Pokémon.

Then, he reconsidered. No, that's not it. His true self is a caretaker. His dream must have always been to be a Pokémon Breeder, but he settled for being a Gym Leader to take care of his siblings. He probably doesn't act like a pervert because he knows he's a role model for them.

Meanwhile, Brock continued, "A Pokémon that young and cute won't be able to win against mine."

Ash clenched his fists. "I'll worry about my Pokémon. You just worry about yours."

Brock gave him a look before shrugging. "Suit yourself."

Then, with a snap of his fingers, the battlefield lights flashed on dramatically.

Velkris couldn't help but think, Okay, that's kinda dramatic… but still cool.

As soon as Brock officially started the Gym Battle, the ground beneath the battlefield rumbled slightly. With a deep mechanical whir, large rock formations began emerging from both sides of the arena. The jagged stone platforms rose steadily, merging together in the center to form a rugged battlefield, perfectly suited for Rock-type Pokémon.

Ash's eyes widened at the sight. "Whoa! The battlefield just… changed?" he exclaimed, taking a step back in surprise.

Misty, standing beside Velkris, crossed her arms. "Of course it did. Gym Battles aren't just simple matches. Each Gym is designed to suit its Leader's specialty."

Velkris watched the seamless transformation, noting how the rock formations clicked into place with remarkable precision. He smirked slightly. The League sure doesn't spare any expenses for features like this. The entire setup seemed excessive for a battle, but it also made sense—Gym Leaders were meant to challenge trainers, and adapting to difficult terrains was part of the experience.

Brock, sitting atop his elevated rock platform, observed their reactions with a calm expression. "The Pewter Gym specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. A battle on a plain field wouldn't do them justice," he stated. "Now, let's see if you have what it takes."

Ash, shaking off his initial surprise, clenched his fists. "Alright, let's do this!" He grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt, ready to begin his first real Gym challenge.

The battle began, playing out just as it had in the anime—Ash's Pikachu was outmatched by Brock's Geodude and Onix, leading to a crushing defeat.

However, while watching from the audience, Velkris discreetly pulled out his Pokédex and scanned Brock's Pokémon.

_____________________________________

Pokédex Entry

Pokémon: Geodude

Species: The Rock Pokémon

Ability: Sturdy – Prevents being knocked out in one hit.

Moveset:

Standard Moves :

• Tackle – A physical Normal-type attack where Geodude charges into the opponent.

• Defense Curl – A Normal-type move that increases Geodude's Defense.

• Rock Throw – A Rock-type move where Geodude hurls small boulders at the opponent.

• Harden – A Normal-type move that temporarily boosts Geodude's Defense.

Tutor Moves :

• Thunder Punch (Tutored) – An Electric-type punch that may paralyze the opponent.

• Fire Punch (Tutored) – A Fire-type punch that may burn the opponent.

____________________________________

Pokédex Entry

Pokémon: Onix

Species: The Rock Snake Pokémon

Type: Rock/Ground

Ability: Rock Head – Prevents recoil damage from moves.

Moveset:

Standard Moves:

• Bind – Constricts the opponent for multiple turns, dealing chip damage over time.

• Rock Throw – Launches small boulders at the opponent.

• Screech – Lets out a deafening screech, sharply lowering the target's Defense.

• Harden – Temporarily boosts Onix's Defense.

• Tackle – A standard physical attack.

Tutored Moves:

• Iron Head – Slams into the opponent with a metal-coated head, potentially causing flinching.

• Stealth Rock – Lays down floating rocks that damage any Pokémon switching in.

• Stone Edge – A powerful Rock-type attack with a high critical-hit ratio.

• Dragon Tail – Knocks the opponent away, forcing a Pokémon switch in official battles.

Egg Moves:

• Rock Slide – Sends a barrage of rocks crashing down on the opponent, possibly causing flinching.

• Smack Down – Knocks airborne opponents to the ground, removing their ability to fly.

_____________________________________

Velkris narrowed his eyes. Both of them are well-trained… Especially that Onix, That Dragon tail and Stealth Rock Combo might prove Trouble some, Especially to Gible.

However, as he reflected on Brock's fighting style, he realized something important. It's not just about the moves. In this reality, battles are more than just typing and power—it's about strategy, creativity, and how a trainer personally develops their Pokémon.

His gaze lingered on Brock. If I underestimate him, I'll lose just like Ash did.

As Ash walked back toward the stands, his head was low, his fists clenched in frustration. Pikachu, exhausted and bruised from the battle, sat on his shoulder, looking just as disappointed. Misty placed a reassuring hand on his back, but Ash barely reacted, clearly upset at his loss.

Velkris watched him approach, then gave him a firm nod. "Hey, don't let it get to you. This was just your first Gym Battle—losing is part of the journey." He smirked slightly and crossed his arms. "Besides, I'll get revenge for you."

Ash looked up, surprised for a moment, before his expression hardened with determination. "You better, Velkris."

Velkris chuckled before stepping forward, his eyes locking onto Brock. He adjusted his stance, exuding confidence as he approached the battlefield. "Do you need to give your Pokémon a rest first?" he asked, his tone neutral but with an underlying edge of challenge.

Brock, still standing calmly on his side of the battlefield, shook his head. "My Pokémon are perfectly fine. They don't need rest just for another rookie trainer." His voice was steady, but there was a hint of condescension, as if he didn't see Velkris as a real threat.

Velkris raised an eyebrow at that, feeling a brief flash of annoyance. Oh, so that's how it is? He smirked, shaking off the irritation. "We'll see who the real rookie is."

With a confident flick of his wrist, he grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt and tossed it onto the battlefield. "Let's do this."

In a burst of energy, Gible landed with a solid thud. The moment it emerged, an intense draconic aura spread across the battlefield—powerful, untamed, and primal. The very air seemed heavier.

Brock's eyes narrowed. "That energy… this Gible isn't normal."

Brock made the first move. "Geodude, Defense Curl!"

Geodude tucked in its arms, its rocky shell hardening, boosting its defense.

Velkris was unfazed. "Dragon Rush!"

Gible's body became cloaked in draconic energy, and in an instant, it launched forward like a meteor, crashing into Geodude at high speed. The impact was devastating, sending Geodude skidding backward.

Brock's eyes narrowed. "Not bad… but we're just getting started. Fire Punch!"

Flames ignited around Geodude's fist as it rocketed toward Gible, swinging with surprising speed.

Velkris countered. "Crunch!"

Gible's fangs gleamed with dark energy as it lunged, biting into Geodude's burning fist. Flames surged between them, but Gible didn't flinch.

"Now, Iron Head!"

Still gripping Geodude, Gible's head flashed silver, then it slammed its skull into Geodude's rocky body, sending it crashing into the ground.

Geodude struggled to rise… and then—

A sudden glow engulfed it.

Velkris' eyes widened. "Wait—"

The light intensified, and Geodude's shape expanded, its rocky form stretching, shifting. When the glow faded, Graveler stood in its place—bulkier, stronger, and more dangerous.

Ash shot up from the sidelines. "No way! Geodude evolved mid-battle!"

Misty looked shocked. "That means… it got stronger!"

Brock smirked. "Heh. Looks like our battle pushed Geodude past its limit." His expression hardened. "And with that evolution… I can bet it learned something new."

Velkris' instincts screamed at him. It must have learned Rollout.

Brock confirmed it a second later. "Graveler, Rollout!"

With shocking speed, Graveler curled into a boulder and shot forward, its momentum building rapidly.

Velkris reacted instantly. "Gible, Dragon Dance!"

Gible's body glowed with a fiery aura, its Attack and Speed rising sharply as Graveler barreled toward it.

"Now, dodge!"

Gible sidestepped, barely avoiding the first hit. But Brock wasn't done. "Keep going, Graveler!"

Graveler looped around, its speed increasing.

Velkris knew he had to act fast. "Earthquake!"

Gible slammed its foot down, sending massive shockwaves through the battlefield. The impact disrupted Graveler's momentum, sending it skidding uncontrollably.

Velkris seized the moment. "Stone Edge!"

Sharp rock formations erupted from the ground, slamming into Graveler mid-roll.

Graveler crashed against the battlefield with a thunderous impact.

Silence.

Then—Graveler collapsed.

Brock exhaled slowly before recalling Graveler. "Impressive… but this battle isn't over yet."

He grabbed his final Poké Ball. "Onix, let's go!"

The ground trembled as Brock's Onix emerged from its Poké Ball. Its gigantic, armored body towered over the battlefield, its piercing eyes locked onto Gible.

Ash clenched his fists. "Velkris already had a tough time with Geodude. Now he has to deal with that?"

Misty crossed her arms. "This isn't just about power. Brock is a Gym Leader—he knows how to use Onix's strength to its full potential."

Brock smirked, folding his arms. "You've done well so far, Velkris. But now the real challenge begins. Let's see if you can handle Onix's full strength!"

Velkris took a deep breath. "Gible, this is it. We take this one down, and we win."

Gible stomped the ground, a deep growl vibrating through its body.

Brock acted immediately. "Onix, Stealth Rock!"

Onix slammed its tail into the ground, and sharp, jagged rocks shot into the air, floating ominously around Velkris' side of the field.

Velkris narrowed his eyes. So he's setting up battlefield control. That means…

Brock smirked. "Now, Dragon Tail!"

Onix lunged forward, its tail glowing with draconic energy, swinging at Gible.

Velkris' eyes widened. Stealth Rock + Dragon Tail… He's trying to force a switch!

He reacted fast. "Dodge and use Dragon Rush!"

Gible ducked under Onix's tail and shot forward, surrounded by a blue draconic aura. It slammed into Onix's side, sending a shockwave through the gym!

Onix winced, but Brock grinned. "Now, Bind!"

Before Gible could retreat, Onix coiled its rocky body around Gible, trapping it!

Velkris clicked his tongue. That's bad. Bind will keep Gible stuck while Onix continues the pressure.

Brock smirked. "Now, Dragon Tail again!"

Onix lifted its tail and swung it down toward Gible, but at the last instant, Gible used Stone Edge at Velkris's command, summoning jagged rocks to intercept the attack and block the impact.

Velkris realized—if Gible was hit and recalled, it would switch in Ralts, who would take Stealth Rock damage, and be forced back out again with another Dragon Tail.

And if Brock kept repeating Dragon Tail, he could slowly chip Gible and Ralts down!

Ash's eyes Slowly widened. "That's smart! Brock's gonna force Velkris to take damage every time Gible is switched back in!"

Misty nodded. "Velkris has to find a way to break the cycle, or Gible's gonna lose without even fighting properly!"

Velkris gritted his teeth. There has to be a way to stop Onix from controlling the fight…

Then, a System Notification flashed in his mind.

[New Move Unlocked:

Scale Shot – A multi-hit Dragon-type move that raises Speed after hitting.]

Velkris' eyes lit up.

This is it!

As Onix's massive stone body coiled around Gible, the Bind attack tightened like a vice. The Land Shark Pokémon growled in frustration, its small body struggling against the crushing pressure. Velkris clenched his fists, knowing he had to act fast before Gible took too much damage.

"Gible, use Sandstorm!" Velkris commanded, his voice sharp and decisive.

A fierce gust of sand erupted from Gible's body, swirling violently around the battlefield. The artificially lit gym darkened as the storm raged, grains of sand pelting against Onix's rocky hide. The unexpected turbulence loosened Onix's grip for just a moment—enough for Gible to slip out of the Bind.

Brock's eyes narrowed. "Not bad," he muttered.

But Velkris wasn't done. He saw the system notification appear in his vision:

[ Primeval Hunger Activated – Damage Boost in Sandstorm ]

A smirk formed on Velkris' face. "Now, Scale Shot!"

Gible let out a fierce roar, its body glowing with draconic energy. Then, in rapid succession, sharp, scale-like projectiles fired at Onix, striking it multiple times in different spots. The Rock Snake Pokémon recoiled, hissing as the attack left noticeable dents on its hardened body.

The system pinged again.

[ Gible's Speed Increased by One Stage due to Scale Shot! ]

[ Primeval Hunger Activated – Additional Speed Boost! ]

Gible's body shimmered briefly as its movements became noticeably quicker. Velkris' grin widened—this was exactly what he needed. With its doubled Speed boost, Gible darted across the battlefield, now too fast for Onix to reliably land a hit.

Brock, realizing his strategy of Stealth Rock + Dragon Tail was useless now, furrowed his brow. If he couldn't play tactically, he'd have to rely on sheer force.

"Fine, kid," Brock said, his voice firm. "If I can't outthink you, I'll overpower you!"

The battle had just entered a new phase.

Velkris pointed forward. "Now, break through with Earthquake!"

Gible's body glowed with power, and it slammed its foot down, sending a massive shockwave through the battlefield!

The ground beneath Onix split apart, throwing it off balance!

Ash gasped. "Velkris broke the cycle!"

Misty grinned. "Now Gible can fight on equal ground!"

Brock's eyes narrowed. "You countered my strategy, but can you handle this? Onix, Stone Edge!"

Sharp stone spikes erupted from the ground, aiming straight for Gible.

Velkris reacted fast. "Iron Head!"

Gible's head glowed, and it Slammed its head on the incoming stones, shattering them midair!

Brock wasn't done. "Iron Head!"

Onix charged forward, its head glowing silver, aiming to crush Gible in one hit.

Velkris' heart pounded. This is it.

"DRACO METEOR!"

Gible roared, launching a barrage of blazing meteors into the sky.

The meteors rained down, smashing into Onix just as it reached Gible!

A massive explosion shook the entire gym.

Dust and debris filled the air.

When the smoke cleared—

Onix had collapsed.

Brock's eyes widened for a moment, then he smiled.

"Onix is unable to battle. Velkris wins!"

Velkris let out a breath of relief as Gible stood victorious.

Brock recalled Onix, walking forward with a small grin. "That was incredible, Velkris. You adapted to my strategy and countered it perfectly."

He held out a gleaming badge. "You've earned the Boulder Badge."

Velkris took it, smirking. "First badge down."

Ash clapped him on the back. "That was AWESOME!"

Misty nodded. "You really earned that win."

Velkris looked down at Gible, who was panting but grinning confidently.

This was just the beginning.